Obituary of Shirley Noel

Shirley Noel passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 1, 2024. Born in Waddy, Kentucky to Ray and Mattie Lou Snider on November 10, 1932, she saw the world as an inclusive stage where family, friendships, and positive personal interactions were at the heart of making this world a better place. An accomplished student, she attended Transylvania University, achieving a BS in English, with a minor in Theatre and Performing Arts. Her creativity, talent, and natural beauty led to former classmates living in New York to encourage her to join them. It was while performing in a play in Lexington that an audience member would be instantly smitten, and after meeting through a shared friend, John Noel would become the love of her life for 58 years until his passing in 2012. They shared an amazing intellectual bond, reading, traveling, and marveling at what life had to offer. An affectionate couple, Shirley would bring dignity and joy to John’s life caring for him over nine years of debilitating strokes. During this time, family and friends would gather to enjoy culinary delights beautifully presented that Shirley lovingly planned and prepared. All holidays were celebrated with full decorations, special meals, and gifts and games she created and or made herself. A natural leader who believed in getting things done, she taught at Good Shepherd School for many years and served on numerous boards, including as chair of the Franklin County Fair and Show Grounds. As Ed Logan, a cherished friend and family advisor, can attest, even in her last days, she kept abreast of world events and knew as much about the tax code, business, and public policy as anyone. An ardent volunteer, she quietly provided financial, emotional, and, if needed, physical care for those in need, as she believed helping others help themselves was a foundation to her strong Catholic faith that guided her. Shirley owned and managed rental real estate, often with her amazing friend Jackie Hernandez. She traveled across the country, Canada, and Europe buying, refinishing, and selling antiques with another soul mate, Mary Lou Scheneider. A talented seamstress, she made costumes, clothes, and gifts for family and friends, and used those skills to make bespoke riding habits for equestrian buffs like her. If she asked you to do something, you were assured that she had done everything she requested herself at one time or the other, from unclogging a toilet, to mucking a stall to painting a room. Audrey Page and John David rocked her soul and brought her unfettered happiness as only being their “Mawmaw” could. Her friendship, ability to connect and enjoy time spent together with them was truly remarkable. Her proudest achievement in life was in seeing them as the fine young adults they have become, including smart choices like John’s fiancé Hannah. 36 nieces and nephews, countless cousins and numerous adopted family members also brought her joy as they progressed into adulthood, relying on her love, guidance, and sage advice along the way. She is survived by a sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Amanda Snider; sons Greg, Jeff (Judy), and Brad (Kelly); and grandchildren John David and Audrey Page; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and very close friends who know who why they were so special to her. Darrell Clark and Dr. Quarles are among many to whom she would want to especially convey her thanks for being so close to her. Visitation will be Thursday, November 7th from 5-7 PM at Rogers Funeral Home. Services will be performed at the Good Shepherd Church at 10:00 am on Friday, November 8th, with burial following in the Frankfort Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be a group of women whose friendship, laughter, shared tears, and shared courage meant everything to her. If considering a donation, The John and Shirley Noel Scholarship Foundation in care of Good Shepherd Church is a worthwhile cause.